Unethical Protection: A Look at Dark Side of Public Service

Dr. Mohd Mizanur Rahman

By Dr Mizanur Rahman, Vision Scientist & Researcher 

In a troubling revelation, it appears that some Bangladeshi government employees are more focused on securing their financial gain than serving the public interest. This unethical behaviour suggests that these individuals view their government positions not just as jobs, but as opportunities to manipulate the system for personal profit. As we delve deeper into this issue, it raises important questions about accountability and integrity in public service.

In Bangladesh, a government job has long been perceived as a stable and respectable career path. However, recent investigations and reports reveal a disturbing trend: many government employees are exploiting their positions to engage in corrupt practices, using their roles as avenues to accumulate illicit wealth through unethical means.

A comprehensive survey conducted by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in 2023 uncovered that 70.9% of Bangladeshi households experienced corruption when accessing public services between May 2023 and April 2024. The sectors most affected included passport services (86%), the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (85.2%), law enforcement agencies (74.5%), judicial services (62.3%), and land services (51%) . These figures underscore the pervasive nature of corruption within the country's public service sectors. Over the past 15 years, during the tenure of the Awami League government, service seekers paid an estimated Tk 1.46 lakh crore in bribes to access essential services. This staggering amount highlights how deeply entrenched corrupt practices have become in the daily operations of government institutions.

A report by the Public Administration Reform Commission identified politicisation as a key factor contributing to the decline in efficiency and rise in corruption within the public administration. The report emphasised that recruitment, placement, and promotions are often determined by political loyalty rather than competence, leading to a culture where merit is sidelined.

This environment has fostered a system where government employees feel emboldened to engage in corrupt activities, knowing that political connections can shield them from accountability. The lack of stringent auditing and monitoring mechanisms further exacerbates the issue, allowing malpractices to flourish unchecked.

Recent investigations have brought to light several high-profile corruption cases involving government officials. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) froze nearly £90 million worth of luxury London properties linked to relatives of Salman F Rahman, a prominent figure in the former Awami League government. These properties, acquired through offshore companies, are part of a broader crackdown following Bangladesh’s student-led revolution in 2024.

Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh launched an investigation into a syndicate led by four former Members of Parliament accused of embezzling Tk 24,000 crore under the guise of sending workers abroad. The syndicate reportedly sent around 450,000 workers abroad within just one and a half years, many of whom were unable to find work and returned home empty-handed.

The Sarkari Chakori Ain Bill (Government Job Act), enacted in October 2018, requires the ACC to seek permission from the authorities concerned before arresting any government official. This legislation has significantly limited the ACC's ability to investigate and prosecute corruption allegations against government officials, effectively providing a shield for corrupt practices.

Furthermore, regulatory bodies and anti-corruption agencies are often undermined by political influence, rendering them ineffective. These institutions lack the autonomy and resources necessary to hold corrupt officials accountable, allowing malpractices to flourish unchecked.

In Bangladesh, corruption has become so pervasive that it is often culturally accepted. This normalisation stems from a historical context where bribery and patronage were commonplace. Over time, these practices have become entrenched, making it challenging to shift societal attitudes towards integrity and ethical behaviour.

Government employees, influenced by this cultural milieu, may view corruption as a means to supplement their income, especially given the low salaries in the public sector. The pressure to meet financial demands in a rapidly growing economy further exacerbates the propensity for corrupt behaviour.

In response to the widespread corruption, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus formed the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission in October 2024. The commission aims to eliminate systemic corruption, reform institutions, and restore transparency in governance.

The commission has recommended several measures, including the annual submission of wealth declarations by all public representatives and government employees, with these records made publicly accessible online to ensure transparency and allow public scrutiny.

Additionally, the commission suggested strengthening the existing National Integrity System (NIS), a measure introduced in 2012 to prevent corruption in the administration. The NIS, however, was never fully implemented.

The unethical protection of corrupt government employees in Bangladesh underscores a systemic issue where public service positions are exploited for personal gain. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including depoliticising public administration, strengthening anti-corruption agencies, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Only through concerted efforts can Bangladesh hope to restore integrity within its public institutions and ensure that government jobs serve the public interest rather than personal enrichment.